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'Roma's Balotelli boos were not racist' – Zeman

The capital club’s old coach claims the AC Milan striker was jeered because of his poor attitude as opposed to the colour of his skin

Former Roma coach Zdenek Zeman has claimed that recent racist chants made towards AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli during a clash with his former club were not down to the colour of his skin.

Play was stopped during the second half of the 0-0 match between the Serie A sides, with referee Gianluca Rocchi having to ask Giallorossi captain Francesco Totti to plead with the offending ultras personally before play could continue.

Roma were subsequently fined €50,00 for the chants, but Zeman has is adamant that his attitude on the pitch led to the jeers.

“They did not whistle Balotelli because of his skin colour, but his attitude.” he told RTL 102.5. “He can be controversial at times.

“The problem is not the colour of the skin, but the behaviour. If a player performs well, nothing happens.”

Roma’s final match of the Serie A season sees them face Napoli on the 19th of May, with the Coppa Italia final against Lazio scheduled for the following week.